Attractions and Places To See around Bonneval - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bonneval encompass two distinct regions in France. Bonneval in Eure-et-Loir, often called the "Little Venice of the Beauce," features medieval architecture, historical fortifications, and meandering waterways like the Loir River. In contrast, Bonneval sur Arc in the Haute Maurienne Vanoise is an alpine village known for its mountain landscapes, including glaciers and high mountain passes. Both locations offer a variety of natural features and cultural sites for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Bonneval
- The most popular attractions is Col du Grand Cucheron, a mountain pass known for its challenging cycling routes, including an 11.6 km ascent from La Corbière with an average slope of 6.94%. It offers varied terrain with sections of shade and open views of the Maurienne valley.
- Another must-see spot is View of the Cascade du Morel, a viewpoint offering a bird's eye perspective of the impressive Morel Waterfall. The location provides both plunging views and accessible paths for different visitor preferences.
- Visitors also love Fort Montgilbert, a historical site located at an altitude of 1,630 meters. Dating from the 1880s, it once monitored the Arc valley and the Cucheron pass.
- Bonneval is known for historical sites, mountain passes, and natural viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from medieval structures to alpine landscapes.
- The attractions around Bonneval are appreciated by the komoot community, with 35 upvotes and 9 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Col du Grand Cucheron
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
A good climb to do during the summer months as there is quite a bit of shade.
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Col de la Madeleine
Highlight • Mountain Pass
It has featured several times in the Tour de France and is one of the toughest climbs in the French Alps.
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Ascent of Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Fort Montgilbert
Highlight • Historical Site
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View of the Cascade du Morel
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
A sustained climb from Chamoux; for those with the best tire equipment (minimum 25" 4 seasons), it's possible to climb all the way to the Fort itself!
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Bird's eye view of the impressive Morel Waterfall, the viewpoint is much more worth it than the view from below.
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View of the impressive Morel Waterfall from below, in the continuity of the family path and easy to access. Not as good a viewpoint as the plunging view, accessible in the continuity of the more sporty path on the other side of the watercourse, which can be caught up by crossing the bridge a little lower down.
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This is the classic southern slope of the pass, which begins at La Chambre. With a vertical drop of 1,591 m, a length of 19.3 km, and an average gradient of 7.9%, it's a colossus. The initial section has many hairpin bends and is covered with trees and vegetation. The intermediate section is probably the toughest. From the Saint François Longchamp ski resort, where there is a gentler section, there are a beautiful 5 km of completely open terrain where you can see the entire final section. Descending this pass is a delight because you build up speed and it also has all kinds of curves.
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On its southeast side, from Epierre, it is a beautiful port. The vast majority is covered by trees, which do not allow great views of the valley; However, the road is very winding, with continuous curves that make it very bearable. It is an area to enjoy cycling since there is hardly any traffic.
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The Col de la Madeleine connects the Tarantaise and Maurienne valleys. It is part of the family of exceptional passes with more than 1,500 meters of vertical drop on each of its sides.
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The pass cannot be adequately described in words! Hardly any traffic, small, good street, never really steep, lots of nature (from Albertville), gigantic mountain panorama the higher you go, ..... .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in the Bonneval region?
The Bonneval region offers a rich history. In Bonneval (Eure-et-Loir), you can explore the medieval charm of the village, including the vestiges of its fortifications like the Saint-Roch Gate and King's Tower, and the historic Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Florentin-et-Saint-Hilaire. In the alpine region of Bonneval sur Arc, visit Fort Montgilbert, a historical site from the 1880s located at 1,630 meters, which once monitored the Arc valley.
Are there any natural landmarks or scenic viewpoints to visit?
Yes, both Bonneval locations boast natural beauty. Bonneval (Eure-et-Loir) is known as the "Little Venice of the Beauce" for its canals and the Loir River, perfect for canoeing. In Bonneval sur Arc, you can witness the impressive Grand Méan Glacier and the Cirque des Evettes. Don't miss the stunning high-altitude scenery from the Col de l'Iseran. For a breathtaking sight, visit the View of the Cascade du Morel, offering a bird's eye perspective of the impressive Morel Waterfall.
What outdoor activities are available around Bonneval sur Arc?
Bonneval sur Arc is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include ice climbing, ski touring, mountaineering, trail running, mountain biking, horseback riding, via ferrata, luge, ice skating, and zip lines, available in both summer and winter. For specific routes, you can explore options for hiking, running, and road cycling in the area.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities?
Yes, families can enjoy several activities. In Bonneval (Eure-et-Loir), horse-drawn carriage rides offer a leisurely way to discover the town's charming surroundings. In Bonneval sur Arc, the View of the Cascade du Morel is considered family-friendly, with accessible paths for different visitor preferences. Many of the outdoor activities like easy hikes and luge are also suitable for families.
What is the best way to experience the 'Little Venice of the Beauce' in Bonneval (Eure-et-Loir)?
To truly experience Bonneval's nickname, "Little Venice of the Beauce," we recommend taking a canoe trip along the Loir River. This allows you to appreciate the meandering watercourses, rich vegetation, and natural beauty that define the town's unique character.
What cycling opportunities are there in the Bonneval region?
The alpine Bonneval sur Arc region is particularly popular with cyclists. Mountain passes like Col du Grand Cucheron and Col de la Madeleine are renowned for their challenging routes, with the latter being a frequent feature in the Tour de France. You can find various road cycling routes in the area, catering to different difficulty levels.
Can I find traditional local products in Bonneval sur Arc?
Absolutely! Bonneval sur Arc is known for its local and typical cheese, the "Bleu de Bonneval." This regional treasure is a must-try for visitors looking to experience the local flavors.
What makes the Hamlet of l'Ecot special in Bonneval sur Arc?
The Hamlet of l'Ecot, located just 4 km from Bonneval sur Arc, is a remarkably preserved traditional Alpine village. It's celebrated for its picturesque old stone houses that are beautifully integrated into the mountain landscape, offering a glimpse into traditional Alpine architecture and life.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Bonneval?
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings, from the challenging cycling routes and scenic views at mountain passes like Col du Grand Cucheron to the impressive natural spectacle of the Cascade du Morel. The historical significance of sites like Fort Montgilbert also draws considerable interest, highlighting the region's blend of natural beauty and rich history.
Are there any markets or local shopping opportunities in the Bonneval area?
In Bonneval (Eure-et-Loir), a weekly market is held on Mondays, offering local goods and a vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, nearby towns like Chateaudun and Chartres also host markets and provide further shopping opportunities.
What kind of hiking trails are available near Bonneval sur Arc?
The Bonneval sur Arc area offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. For example, you can find moderate trails like the "Village of the Forty Plans – Les Charmettes loop from Doucy" or more challenging options such as the "View of the Cascade du Morel – Le Morel loop from Doucy." You can explore more options on the Hiking around Bonneval guide.
Most popular attractions around Bonneval
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